Illinois State Police
News Release

Labor Day Weekend Fatalities

Press Release Date:
September 8, 1998
|| Archived October 7, 2002

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois State Police Acting Director Gene P. Marlin announced today that 14 persons were killed on Illinois highways over the four-day Labor Day weekend, compared to 18 in the same period last year. "This improvement reflects a long-term trend toward fewer highway fatalities," Marlin said. "We’re hopeful that the message is getting out -- that speeding and drinking and driving kill, and that seat belts save lives."

Marlin also said Illinois State Police officers issued more than 19,000 citations and written warnings from Friday through Monday, including more than 6,000 speeding citations. In addition, troopers made 148 DUI arrests, issued more than 2,100 citations for seat belt violations and provided more than 2,600 motorist assists.

"Our goal was to be highly visible and increase voluntary compliance with traffic laws," Marlin said. "This was our largest holiday contingent in years -- we doubled the number of police officers on patrol in order to keep traffic running smoothly and safely."

Marlin added further positive news on the subject of highway fatalities. So far this year, there are 44 fewer fatalities than at the same time last year. "This positive trend began about two years ago," Marlin said. "Local law enforcement agencies and groups like MADD and SADD should be commended for emphasizing the importance of responsible driving. And, of course, motorists themselves have to be commended because most crashes are preventable. Hopefully, drivers are becoming aware of the measures they need to take to avoid becoming victims," he concluded.